(Newser)
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In the wake of the spill off the Louisiana coast, how goes President Obama's plan to expand offshore drilling? After statements from the president and a top aide, it amounts to: We'll see. The president reiterated today that he likes the idea as part of an overall energy plan. "But," he added, "I've always said it must be done responsibly, for the safety of our workers and our environment." He's ordered a 30-day investigation into what happened, reports USA Today.

His comments followed David Axelrod's statement to ABC this morning that plans to lift the moratorium are on hold until the Gulf investigation is complete. Given that any potential drilling is years away, that doesn't have much practical effect. "All he has said is that he's not going to continue the moratorium but no additional drilling has been authorized and none will until we find out what happened here and whether there was something unique and preventable here."

Does anyone here realize how important oil is to our daily life? If you are stupid enough to support the moratorium, try living one day without driving your car or using anything with plastic. Obama: I Still Like Drilling, But ...I hate Americans having jobs. (While driving around in Canadian-made bus)

Count-Spatula

Apr 30, 2010 10:05 PM CDT

Idiot. "I still like drilling ...because I'm beholden to the oil industry just like Bush was. and I'm still going to wait this out rather than actually lead."

Landshark

Apr 30, 2010 7:45 PM CDT

Apparently BP only contracted the rig, but does not own it (can you say legal maneuvering). It was not fit with a remote control cut-off valve, as found on the coastline drilling rigs of many less wealthy countries. Again, hate to outline the failure or lack of concern...but a head on the platter owuld be nice for once!